Congregations come together to feed the community

A neighborhood family obtains food as part of the event. (Photo by John Sterr)

Hundreds of people lined up to receive donations of food just in time for Thanksgiving. A group of faith-based organizations distributed 500 boxes of food to people in need in the Layton Boulevard West neighborhood.

Many of those receiving food also signed up for a raffle of gift cards and coupons from participating businesses, including Omega Restaurant, Unique Cutz Barbershop, Fiesta Gariba lbi Restaurants, Casa de Monfongo, Value Village Thrift Store, No. 1 Chinese Kitchen, TLC Nails, Ned’s Pizza, Noodles & Company, Target and Walmart.

The idea for the event originated with Pastor Abraham Teklemariam of Ten Second Prayer Ministries, who recently moved into the neighborhood. Called to serve the community he lives in—especially people in the greatest need—Abraham espouses a philosophy in which local businesses help their neighbors.

Two Rivers-based Open Door Ministries brought in boxes containing juice, bread, canned food and other staples. Pastor Al Raedel and congregation member Alan Fischer loaded a 22-foot truck early in the morning and drove to Milwaukee in time for the 11:30 a.m. event. The food was donated by congregation members and the organization Hand of Help.

The event took place at a small church building on Rogers Street near 27th Street, which was acquired by Pastor Nidia Soto of Iglesia “El Nuevo Pacto” in spring 2011 after sitting vacant for three years. Soto invited Abraham to use the church for services and other activities such as the food giveaway.

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About John Sterr

Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service has created a downloadable version of “The Long March to Freedom,” a compilation of 15 in-depth articles and profiles commemorating the 50th anniversary of the open housing marches in Milwaukee in 1967-68.